Sonia Torres Bil 350- Summer 08 Dr. McInerney Annotated Bibliography for Children’s Literature Part I Hinton, S.E.The Outsiders.New York:Puffin Books, 1997.180 pages.Ages 12-18.Genre:Young Adult Novel.Language: English Susan Eloise Hinton, use of descriptive words are so lively that I can clearly picture each scene described through her words.The Outsiders, describes the life of a 13 year old whom tells a part of his life at a very low point.Being the youngest child in a family that has been completely changed after the death of his two parents, he along with his two brothers are faced with the necessity of meeting their daily expectations. Trying to meet these expectations Ponyboy, faces many problems that only lead him to bigger obstacles that he has to get through.S.E. Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and wrote the outsiders at the very young age of 16.She has received the YASD/SLJ Author Achievement Award.Her writing this novel at such a young age contributes to the descriptive words she uses, as been an outsider herself in these types of situations in her high school, her imagination helps the reader become part of the outsiders.
This is the first book I read by S.E.Hinton, and I actually could not put the book down.It has always been around my house and I remember when I was younger my older brother and sister had to read it but for some reason it skipped me.Even when they saw the movie at home I was never allowed to watch it.So after reading it, I was so surprised to what I had missed.I read the book in a matter of hours and it is very easy to read.There are no fancy words and I think that it is why it is so popular among young adults and teenagers.Even though, we are far from greasers and socs, the social differences that separate teenagers in schools sill exist and should be reduced. S.E. Hinton tries to let her readers become part of each group of the outsiders by bringing these two groups together at least through the imagination of us the readers. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008 Cannon, Janell.Stellaluna.New York:Harcourt Brace & Company, 1993. 44 pages. Ages 4-10.Genre: Picture Story Book.Language: English In this picture story book, Stellaluna, a baby bat is separated from her mother when an owl attacks them during a flight in search of food.Stellaluna, is then raisedby a family of birds, whom treat her as an equal to them.Once Stellaluna, shows the birds her sleeping habits, the mama bird asks Stellaluna not to endanger her little birds as they do not sleep by holding onto their toes.Stellaluna agrees and is allowed to stay with the birds.Once during a flight with her bird family, Stellaluna is left behind.After promising not to sleep with her feet she uses her thumbs instead.This catches the attention of other bats.These bats then call others to take a look at Stellaluna’s behavior.One of the bats discovers she is Stellaluna’s mother and the two are reunited.Stellaluna, then learns to adapt to her bat behavior and tries to share her new discoveries with the birds.Even though, Stellaluna tries to do this as a good behavior she is putting the birds in danger.Stellaluna and the birds discover that even though they are friends and are happy to try each others different behaviors, some things cannot be done by everyone.The author, Janell Cannon, was in born in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota. I believe one of the most important parts in Stellaluna, is at the end of the story when the three birds question their different abilities.The birds ask “How can we be so different and feel so much alike”, “And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?” and Stellaluna answers “I agree, But we’re friends. And that’s a fact”.I think these questions are very mature questions and actually make the reader sit back and reflect on them.Cannon is giving her readers the message that we all our different but no matter what how many different qualities we may have, we are all the same. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008 Cannon, Janell.Verdi.New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1997. 44 pages.Ages 5-10.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language: English Similar to Stellaluna, Cannon does an amazing and creative storytelling technique in Verdi.Her topic of belonging continues in Verdi.Verdi,is a young yellow snake who tries everything and anything to stay forever young and not become an old and boring green snake.It is a story of growing and maturing and understanding that its ok to grow older because you become wiser.After turning green which is a sign for Verdi, that he is older he promises to continue being himself and passes on his knowledge by helping other young snakes do tricks like he used to.Janell Cannon, was boring in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book.They are very colorful and Verdi makes amazing facial expressions that make you laugh at the thought of an actual snake making those faces.I also like the illustrations because they give snakes such a cute side to them that I have actually never thought of.Snakes are usually given the image of scary and dangerous animals.Through this book we are given a completely different perspective of them and I felt like I could connect with Verdi.Through Verdi’s, I felt my own fear of growing old and scared how much we change when we get older.Like Verdi’s, skin changed so will our personal features, but like Verdi, we will continue to be the same person inside. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 29, 2008 Dr. Seuss.Horton Hears A Who!New York: Random House, Inc, 1954. 60 pages.Ages 4-12.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language:English Dr. Seuss is one of favorite authors for children’s books.I share his passion for rhyming words creatively.After watching the movie for Horton, Hears A Who! I was curious to read the book.This book makes a statement that no matter who you are, big or small, what color we re all important and need our place in this world.Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss, was born in 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts.Dr. Seuss, first children’s book published was And ToTthink I Saw It On Mulberry Street.Dr. Seuss, has 44 books that he has written and illustrated and has won two Academy Awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award, Pulitzer Prize. I believe any person any age would enjoy this book.Children would enjoy the rhyming words and the funny characters in the book.I read this book tomy six month old nephew and he made funny noises and stared at the pictures for long periods of time.I think this book reflects on the theme of belonging and caring for others.I think children can learn to be less selfish and learn to help others even if at times it is difficult.Some of the concepts are a bit too mature for younger readers but I believe they can still enjoy the magnificent illustrations. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 25, 2008. Carle, Eric.Little Cloud.New York:Philomel Books, 1996.14 pages. Ages: Months-7.Genre: Picture Book.Language: English Little Cloud, by Eric Carle is an imaginary book that allows children to give clouds a different perspective on clouds.The main character is a little cloud that turns into different shapes that he sees as he flies over the sky with his family.Little Cloud, turns into a tree, a sheep, and other animals and people.Little Cloud, enjoys watching the people under him, just like we like watching little cloud turn into different shapes.Eric Carle, was born in 1929 in Syracuse, New York.Eric Carle’s books includes the famous The Very, Hungry Caterpillar. Aside from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I had not read any of Eric Carle’s books.I enjoyed little cloud because it reflects the life of a child through that one of a cloud.A very creative and imaginative perspective to look at the way a child sees clouds in the sky.Though we see clouds on a daily basis and shape them into all kinds of different things.Little Cloud, lets us know that because of our being, they give us those shapes.The book almost gives you a feeling of communication between the sky and people on earth. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 24, 2008. Hill, Eric.Spot Loves His Grandma.New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2008.12 pages.Ages: Months-6.Genre:Picture Book.Language: English Spot Loves His Grandma, is a colorful picture book that describes the connection with Spot and his grandma.I think every child that reads this can relate this to their own grandmothers or someone in their life, whom they share the activities spot carries out with his grandma.Eric Hill was born on September 7, 1927 in Holloway, North London.He first began creating Spot as he began to make up stories for his son.Spot was created and since Hill then has won many different awards including recent ones from 2007. I think this book is targeted for beginning readers because it contains simple words.Eric Hill has written many books on Spot and his different activities.The bright colors in the illustrations grab the readers attention and reflect perfectly on the activities described by the words.The activities that spot carries out with his grandma are also those that many children can relate.For example, they bake a cake and pick apples. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008. Soto, Gary.Chato’s Kitchen.New York:G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995.29 pages.Ages 4-9.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language:English (Few Words In Spanish) The illustrations in these books are clearly painted and illustrate the narrative from the book really well.Chato’s Kitchen, describes how a wise cat tries to get his new neighbors, who are rats to join him for dinner.Since they are rats, Chato plans on inviting them to his house and once in enjoy them for his dinner.When asked if a friend can join the rats at Chatos for dinner, Chato agrees not knowing that the friend is a dog.At the end, Chato does not eat the rats for dinner and simply relaxes and enjoys their company instead of them at dinner.Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales.Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book. Chato’s Kitchen uses vocabulary that can probably be understood by children with a Spanish vocabulary.I enjoy the list of vocabulary words in both Spanish and English at the beginning of the book.I think that is such a good help for teachers because they can go over the words before the book is read in class.Activities can also be done to help the understanding of the words for those students who are not familiar with either the Spanish or English version of the words.The cats depicted in Chato’s Kitchen, also remind me of some of the teenagers I remember as a child growing up.Im not sure if younger children in elementary school in today’s society would understand those names, but older teenagers would definitely make a connection to them.On the other hand, the other words like arroz and salsa would be understood no matter the time period you grew up in. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008 Soto, Gary. Chato and The Party Animals.New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2000.Ages 4-9.30 pages.Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English (Few Words in Spanish) The illustrations once again are incredible and depict each scene in the book thoroughly.This is a second story based on the characters from Chato’s Kitchen.Since Chato has gotten over the idea of eating his new neighbors the rats, he becomes friends with them and continues to make new adventures with them.In Chato and The Party Animals, Chato throws a party for his friend Novioboy, whom has never experienced a birthday celebration..Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales.Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book. Chato and The Pary Animals, allows the readers see the softer side of Chato and how much he cares for his good friends.Chato understands that Novioboy is sad every time he goes to a birthday party.So he plans a birthday party for Novioboy and invites all their close friends.I think this book can have many activities following it.For example, it can be used as a writing prompt for students to describe something nice they have done for a close friend when they are sad. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008 D’amico, Carmela & Steven.Ella: sets the stage.New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006. Ages 4-8.40 pages.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language: English I enjoyed this book because I believe it is a very good resource as an introduction to a talent show at school.Ella sets the stage, tells the story of a young girl who is to shy to think of any special talents she can perform in her school talent show.She feels that she has less talent than her friends at school and fears that if she sings or recites a poem her friends will laugh at her.Ella forgets of her search for a special talent and decides to take part of the talent show committee.While getting things set up for the talent show, Ella finds herself without time to come up with a routine for the show.She finds herself being of help for everyone in the talent show and is recognized for her caring and dedicated work to the talent show. Carmela & Steven D’amico are husband and wife and have just recently began collaborating together to produce a series of Ella books. When it comes to standing in front of a big crowd many children get nervous and would rather not participate.Especially, if they believe they would be laughed or made of fun of.Ella takes a different approach and shows her own special unique talent without having to be placed in center stage.This book shows students that every person is different and some do enjoy the spotlight while others prefer the backstage.I would read this book to students prior to a school talent show or an all school assembly.This can encourage students to think of their personal talents and skills. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008 Ellis, Libby.Buenos Dias Baby! California:Chronicle Books LLC, 2004. Ages Months-7.20 pages.Genre:Picture Book.Language: Bilingual(English/Spanish) This picture book is so small and is a hardcover that has only two words in each page and a picture of the words.The colors used in the illustrations are very bright and colorful with not too many details.The pictures are also a good size for children to be able to see them. I read this book to my nephew and he smiled when I read the Spanish words but looked at me funny when I said the English words.The book fit perfectly into his little hands and kept him entertained for a couple of minutes.I would place this book in a daycare setting or even up to 1st grade.The vocabulary is very simple but it is in Spanish and English.It definitely will help students with understanding of certain vocabulary words, like arbol, triciclo, galleta, and perro. Reviewed by:Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
hours and it is very easy to read.There are no fancy words and I think that it is why it is so popular among young adults and teenagers.Even though, we are far from greasers and socs, the social differences that separate teenagers in schools sill exist and should be reduced. S.E. Hinton tries to let her readers become part of each group of the outsiders by bringing these two groups together at least through the imagination of us the readers. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008 Cannon, Janell.Stellaluna.New York:Harcourt Brace & Company, 1993. 44 pages. Ages 4-10.Genre: Picture Story Book.Language: English In this picture story book, Stellaluna, a baby bat is separated from her mother when an owl attacks them during a flight in search of food.Stellaluna, is then raisedby a family of birds, whom treat her as an equal to them.Once Stellaluna, shows the birds her sleeping habits, the mama bird asks Stellaluna not to endanger her little birds as they do not sleep by holding onto their toes.Stellaluna agrees and is allowed to stay with the birds.Once during a flight with her bird family, Stellaluna is left behind.After promising not to sleep with her feet she uses her thumbs instead.This catches the attention of other bats.These bats then call others to take a look at Stellaluna’s behavior.One of the bats discovers she is Stellaluna’s mother and the two are reunited.Stellaluna, then learns to adapt to her bat behavior and tries to share her new discoveries with the birds.Even though, Stellaluna tries to do this as a good behavior she is putting the birds in danger.Stellaluna and the birds discover that even though they are friends and are happy to try each others different behaviors, some things cannot be done by everyone.The author, Janell Cannon, was in born in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota. I believe one of the most important parts in Stellaluna, is at the end of the story when the three birds question their different abilities.The birds ask “How can we be so different and feel so much alike”, “And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?” and Stellaluna answers “I agree, But we’re friends. And that’s a fact”.I think these questions are very mature questions and actually make the reader sit back and reflect on them.Cannon is giving her readers the message that we all our different but no matter what how many different qualities we may have, we are all the same. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008 Cannon, Janell.Verdi.New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1997. 44 pages.Ages 5-10.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language: English Similar to Stellaluna, Cannon does an amazing and creative storytelling technique in Verdi.Her topic of belonging continues in Verdi.Verdi,is a young yellow snake who tries everything and anything to stay forever young and not become an old and boring green snake.It is a story of growing and maturing and understanding that its ok to grow older because you become wiser.After turning green which is a sign for Verdi, that he is older he promises to continue being himself and passes on his knowledge by helping other young snakes do tricks like he used to.Janell Cannon, was boring in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota. I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book.They are very colorful and Verdi makes amazing facial expressions that make you laugh at the thought of an actual snake making those faces.I also like the illustrations because they give snakes such a cute side to them that I have actually never thought of.Snakes are usually given the image of scary and dangerous animals.Through this book we are given a completely different perspective of them and I felt like I could connect with Verdi.Through Verdi’s, I felt my own fear of growing old and scared how much we change when we get older.Like Verdi’s, skin changed so will our personal features, but like Verdi, we will continue to be the same person inside. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 29, 2008 Dr. Seuss.Horton Hears A Who!New York: Random House, Inc, 1954. 60 pages.Ages 4-12.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language:English Dr. Seuss is one of favorite authors for children’s books.I share his passion for rhyming words creatively.After watching the movie for Horton, Hears A Who! I was curious to read the book.This book makes a statement that no matter who you are, big or small, what color we re all important and need our place in this world.Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss, was born in 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts.Dr. Seuss, first children’s book published was And ToTthink I Saw It On Mulberry Street.Dr. Seuss, has 44 books that he has written and illustrated and has won two Academy Awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award, Pulitzer Prize. I believe any person any age would enjoy this book.Children would enjoy the rhyming words and the funny characters in the book.I read this book tomy six month old nephew and he made funny noises and stared at the pictures for long periods of time.I think this book reflects on the theme of belonging and caring for others.I think children can learn to be less selfish and learn to help others even if at times it is difficult.Some of the concepts are a bit too mature for younger readers but I believe they can still enjoy the magnificent illustrations. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 25, 2008. Carle, Eric.Little Cloud.New York:Philomel Books, 1996.14 pages. Ages: Months-7.Genre: Picture Book.Language: English Little Cloud, by Eric Carle is an imaginary book that allows children to give clouds a different perspective on clouds.The main character is a little cloud that turns into different shapes that he sees as he flies over the sky with his family.Little Cloud, turns into a tree, a sheep, and other animals and people.Little Cloud, enjoys watching the people under him, just like we like watching little cloud turn into different shapes.Eric Carle, was born in 1929 in Syracuse, New York.Eric Carle’s books includes the famous The Very, Hungry Caterpillar. Aside from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I had not read any of Eric Carle’s books.I enjoyed little cloud because it reflects the life of a child through that one of a cloud.A very creative and imaginative perspective to look at the way a child sees clouds in the sky.Though we see clouds on a daily basis and shape them into all kinds of different things.Little Cloud, lets us know that because of our being, they give us those shapes.The book almost gives you a feeling of communication between the sky and people on earth. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 24, 2008. Hill, Eric.Spot Loves His Grandma.New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2008.12 pages.Ages: Months-6.Genre:Picture Book.Language: English Spot Loves His Grandma, is a colorful picture book that describes the connection with Spot and his grandma.I think every child that reads this can relate this to their own grandmothers or someone in their life, whom they share the activities spot carries out with his grandma.Eric Hill was born on September 7, 1927 in Holloway, North London.He first began creating Spot as he began to make up stories for his son.Spot was created and since Hill then has won many different awards including recent ones from 2007. I think this book is targeted for beginning readers because it contains simple words.Eric Hill has written many books on Spot and his different activities.The bright colors in the illustrations grab the readers attention and reflect perfectly on the activities described by the words.The activities that spot carries out with his grandma are also those that many children can relate.For example, they bake a cake and pick apples. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008. Soto, Gary.Chato’s Kitchen.New York:G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995.29 pages.Ages 4-9.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language:English (Few Words In Spanish) The illustrations in these books are clearly painted and illustrate the narrative from the book really well.Chato’s Kitchen, describes how a wise cat tries to get his new neighbors, who are rats to join him for dinner.Since they are rats, Chato plans on inviting them to his house and once in enjoy them for his dinner.When asked if a friend can join the rats at Chatos for dinner, Chato agrees not knowing that the friend is a dog.At the end, Chato does not eat the rats for dinner and simply relaxes and enjoys their company instead of them at dinner.Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales.Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book. Chato’s Kitchen uses vocabulary that can probably be understood by children with a Spanish vocabulary.I enjoy the list of vocabulary words in both Spanish and English at the beginning of the book.I think that is such a good help for teachers because they can go over the words before the book is read in class.Activities can also be done to help the understanding of the words for those students who are not familiar with either the Spanish or English version of the words.The cats depicted in Chato’s Kitchen, also remind me of some of the teenagers I remember as a child growing up.Im not sure if younger children in elementary school in today’s society would understand those names, but older teenagers would definitely make a connection to them.On the other hand, the other words like arroz and salsa would be understood no matter the time period you grew up in. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008 Soto, Gary. Chato and The Party Animals.New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2000.Ages 4-9.30 pages.Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English (Few Words in Spanish) The illustrations once again are incredible and depict each scene in the book thoroughly.This is a second story based on the characters from Chato’s Kitchen.Since Chato has gotten over the idea of eating his new neighbors the rats, he becomes friends with them and continues to make new adventures with them.In Chato and The Party Animals, Chato throws a party for his friend Novioboy, whom has never experienced a birthday celebration..Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales.Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book. Chato and The Pary Animals, allows the readers see the softer side of Chato and how much he cares for his good friends.Chato understands that Novioboy is sad every time he goes to a birthday party.So he plans a birthday party for Novioboy and invites all their close friends.I think this book can have many activities following it.For example, it can be used as a writing prompt for students to describe something nice they have done for a close friend when they are sad. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008 D’amico, Carmela & Steven.Ella: sets the stage.New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006. Ages 4-8.40 pages.Genre:Picture Story Book.Language: English I enjoyed this book because I believe it is a very good resource as an introduction to a talent show at school.Ella sets the stage, tells the story of a young girl who is to shy to think of any special talents she can perform in her school talent show.She feels that she has less talent than her friends at school and fears that if she sings or recites a poem her friends will laugh at her.Ella forgets of her search for a special talent and decides to take part of the talent show committee.While getting things set up for the talent show, Ella finds herself without time to come up with a routine for the show.She finds herself being of help for everyone in the talent show and is recognized for her caring and dedicated work to the talent show. Carmela & Steven D’amico are husband and wife and have just recently began collaborating together to produce a series of Ella books. When it comes to standing in front of a big crowd many children get nervous and would rather not participate.Especially, if they believe they would be laughed or made of fun of.Ella takes a different approach and shows her own special unique talent without having to be placed in center stage.This book shows students that every person is different and some do enjoy the spotlight while others prefer the backstage.I would read this book to students prior to a school talent show or an all school assembly.This can encourage students to think of their personal talents and skills. Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008 Ellis, Libby.Buenos Dias Baby! California:Chronicle Books LLC, 2004. Ages Months-7.20 pages.Genre:Picture Book.Language: Bilingual(English/Spanish) This picture book is so small and is a hardcover that has only two words in each page and a picture of the words.The colors used in the illustrations are very bright and colorful with not too many details.The pictures are also a good size for children to be able to see them. I read this book to my nephew and he smiled when I read the Spanish words but looked at me funny when I said the English words.The book fit perfectly into his little hands and kept him entertained for a couple of minutes.I would place this book in a daycare setting or even up to 1st grade.The vocabulary is very simple but it is in Spanish and English.It definitely will help students with understanding of certain vocabulary words, like arbol, triciclo, galleta, and perro. Reviewed by:Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
Gary Soto does a marvelous job in describing Hispanic neighborhood qualities in Neighborhood Odes.Neighborhood Odes, is a collection of poems gathered from the simplest ideas of everyday life through the eyes of a young child’s imagination.This collection of poems gave me a flashback to my early childhood growing up in the south side of Chicago.Though Soto did not grow up in Chicago I think most Mexican-Americans can relate to Soto’s descriptions.Gary Soto grew up in Fresno, California.He has won numerous amounts of awards and is recognized for telling the life of growing up Mexican-American.
Gary Soto is one of my favorite authors.This is actually the first book I’ve picked up of his that is a poetry collection.Other books I’ve read of his are picture story books like Too Many Tamales and Chato’sseries books. In Neighborhood Odes, Soto shares his experiences as a young child growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood.His odes include one for raspados, to the piñatas, to fireworks, to his library, and to weddings. This book contains odes to things, places, and events that most Hispanic children can relate to.Along with bringing back memories of our childhood this book also brings in laughter as to the silly things we do when are younger and the world is so big in our eyes.I would recommend this book to teachers who teach in a bilingual classroom.I think children with a similar upbringing will be able to relate with Soto and this poetry collection.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, June 2008
Cisneros, Sandra.The House on Mango Street.
Since reading House on Mango Street in high school, Sandra Cisneros has been one of favorite authors.I enjoyed this book then and to this day as I revisited it again.The first page immediately grabbed my attention has she mentioned the names of streets, whom I am familiar with.The story is divided into separate stories of a girl and her family adventures.She gets into many different situations with her sisters and people from her neighborhood.The book doesn’t have a underlying story line and floats around from adventure to adventure.Sandra Cisneros grew up in Chicago and therefore much of her writing is from her experiences in the city.She grew up in the latino section of the city and therefore latinos who read her stories can relate to her experiences.She has written numerous amounts of novels but I believe The House On Mango Street, is her very best literary piece so far. I read The House on Mango Street, in high school and remember loving the book.As I read it again for this class I also enjoyed it very much.I didn’t seem to have the same feelings about it though as I did before.I believe now that I am older some of the parts of the book seemed silly to me.But I do remember enjoying them very much in high school.I would recommend this book to teachers to include in their curriculumm at the beginning of the school year.Theres a part In the book where the main character wishes she had a name that was shorter or even a more “English” sounding name.I think a lot could be done with just that one part.Just like we discussed in class, students should understand and learn to appreciate their names and not be ashamed of them.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres,June 2008
Galdone, Paul.The Frog Prince.New York:Macmillan and Company, 1975.34 pages.Ages 4-8.Genre: Traditional Literature.Language:English
The Frog Prince is a folktale that teaches young children that they cannot break their promises.A young princess took advantage of her beauty and promised a frog that he could stay with her and be her companion as long as he would retrieve a beautiful gold ball she lost in a well.She did not hesitate to agree to his terms, she didn’t care about his request but was concerned for the return of her ball.When the frog completed his part of the promise and gave the princess her gold ball she returned home and left the frog behind, forgetting about her end of the promise.The frog ran after her and looked for her at her home.When her father found out about her promise to the frog and without her consent, he ordered her to fulfill her end of the promise.So the frog stayed in her house and slept with her in the princess bed.Out of anger she threw the frog off her bed but as the frog was about to hit the floor he turned into a beautiful prince.The prince explained to the princess a witch had put a spell on him and promised that since she broke it they will eternally be together and he would take care to live in his fathers kingdom.The two lived happily ever after.Paul Galdone was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1914 and migrated to the United States in 1928.He studied at the University of Industrial Design in New York.He was introduced into bookmaking and was greatly interested in this art form.Galdone has illustrated over 300 books. The idea behind The frog Prince, is perhaps told in many different stories but in many different situations.This story contains a very important message that not many stories for young children contain now in recent publications.I would use this book In the classroom when teaching and in reference to morals.I think the The frog Price is a great book to show students that we must keep our promises no matter how hard it is to keep them sometimes. The book also shows the values of the princess father, whom never allowed her to back out from her promises.
Little Sisteris a fictional story based in Japan.Mitsuko, the main character in the story lives with her family, whom are a noble family, and live in the imperial court.Mitsuko’s family is considered in our terms one in higher society.Mitsuko has been raised by her mother and older sister to be one of great ladylike behavior including always wearing her kimonos properly and writing poetry, as their past time.When the monks from Mount Hiei, a rivalry group to the Fujiwara (Mitsukos’ family), start attacking towns, Mitsuko and her family flee from their home.Mitsuko’s older sister Amaiko, loses her husband on their journey from fleeing their home.She is lost in his memory and does not speak or show emotion to anyone.Mitsuko’s family is then taken to a hideout house in the mountains and they stare there for a couple of days.After using all their resources the nearby Lord Tsubushima calls out to the Fujiwara family to be guests in their home since they had no where else to go.Lord Tsubushima being a lower rank than the Fujiwara’sis an enemy to the family and only seeks to make Mitsuko and her sister’s wives for the men in his court.Mitsuko and Amaiko flee from their family hoping to escape the awfulways of Lord Tsubushima.From that point on Mitsuko’s priority is to regain her sister’s lost soul by finding her husband’s soul and asking him to return Amaiko’s soul.Mitsuko then spends days with her new friends whom are Tengus, demon like creatures that can transform into different forms including mortals.The tengus helps Mitsuko through her journey to find her sister’s husbands soul.At the end Mitsuko sees many different things and realizes that her court life does not suit her.When reunited with her family and father she decides to become a pilgrim instead of a court wife.Kara Dalkey was born in 1953 in Los Angeles.She is known for her work in young adult historical fiction concentrating on the Heian period in Japan.
I really enjoyed Little Sister, I had never picked up a book by Dalkey and was quite surprised at how interesting her work was.I did not put the book down once and read the whole 200 pages in one setting.Each page kept you wanting to find out what will happen next.Dalkey explains briefly some historical facts at the end of the story that help explain some of the parts of the story.I think it actually would have helped to have these few pages at the beginning of the book.This would have cleared up some confusion.I would use this book in class as a reference to give students an idea of life in Japan during the Heian period.This can help set an illustration in students minds to how life was during those times.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres June 2008
Vennema, P., Stanley, D.Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations.New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc, 1993.44 pages.Ages 8-13.Genre:Non-Fiction.Language:English
Even though, this biography of Charles Dickens was written for a younger audience.The details are greatly emphasized throughout the book.The words used are easy words and can be understood by young children and I was able to keep my interest in the book.The book unfolds with Dickens childhood and the economic struggles his family endured.Dickens did not grow up wealthy and only began to make money after he had some of his first writing published in a local magazine.This helped pay his bills and allowed him to afford a home so he can provide to his new wife and later his ten children.Once Dickens stories began to gain popularity amongst his community the publications traveled around the world.This gave Dickens even greaterwealth and began to afford a more privileged life than the one he had experienced growing up.The book explains how Charles Dickens began his career as an author, his most famous works, his wife and children, the love of his life, his travels to the United States, and finally his final days.Diane Stanley was born in Texas but later moved to New York with her mother after she divorced her father.Her mother was a writer and Stanley also became interested in it.She began as an illustrator and later moved on to writing and illustrating her own books.Diana Stanley and Peter Vennema have composed a number of biographical picture book for young children. Some of them are Cleopatra, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Daniel Hall.
Ireally enjoyed this book because of the illustrations and the extensive amounts of details used throughout the biography.This book explains certain situations suitable for children of all ages.I think middle school children will enjoy this biography but I think the narrative might be a little long for early readers.It is a good introduction to Charles Dickens that children can carry on with them to their high school years, as many of them will probably be assigned some type of Dickens literature.This book can also be pulled out during social studies and used as a reference.This type of biography and along with others by the authors are great resources to be kept in the classroom library.
Sonia Torres
Bil 350- Summer 08
Dr. McInerney
Annotated Bibliography for Children’s Literature Part I
Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. New York: Puffin Books, 1997. 180 pages. Ages 12-18. Genre: Young Adult Novel. Language: English
Susan Eloise Hinton, use of descriptive words are so lively that I can clearly picture each scene described through her words. The Outsiders, describes the life of a 13 year old whom tells a part of his life at a very low point. Being the youngest child in a family that has been completely changed after the death of his two parents, he along with his two brothers are faced with the necessity of meeting their daily expectations. Trying to meet these expectations Ponyboy, faces many problems that only lead him to bigger obstacles that he has to get through. S.E. Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and wrote the outsiders at the very young age of 16. She has received the YASD/SLJ Author Achievement Award. Her writing this novel at such a young age contributes to the descriptive words she uses, as been an outsider herself in these types of situations in her high school, her imagination helps the reader become part of the outsiders.
This is the first book I read by S.E.Hinton, and I actually could not put the book down. It has always been around my house and I remember when I was younger my older brother and sister had to read it but for some reason it skipped me. Even when they saw the movie at home I was never allowed to watch it. So after reading it, I was so surprised to what I had missed. I read the book in a matter of hours and it is very easy to read. There are no fancy words and I think that it is why it is so popular among young adults and teenagers. Even though, we are far from greasers and socs, the social differences that separate teenagers in schools sill exist and should be reduced. S.E. Hinton tries to let her readers become part of each group of the outsiders by bringing these two groups together at least through the imagination of us the readers.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008
Cannon, Janell. Stellaluna. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1993. 44 pages. Ages 4-10. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
In this picture story book, Stellaluna, a baby bat is separated from her mother when an owl attacks them during a flight in search of food. Stellaluna, is then raised by a family of birds, whom treat her as an equal to them. Once Stellaluna, shows the birds her sleeping habits, the mama bird asks Stellaluna not to endanger her little birds as they do not sleep by holding onto their toes. Stellaluna agrees and is allowed to stay with the birds. Once during a flight with her bird family, Stellaluna is left behind. After promising not to sleep with her feet she uses her thumbs instead. This catches the attention of other bats. These bats then call others to take a look at Stellaluna’s behavior. One of the bats discovers she is Stellaluna’s mother and the two are reunited. Stellaluna, then learns to adapt to her bat behavior and tries to share her new discoveries with the birds. Even though, Stellaluna tries to do this as a good behavior she is putting the birds in danger. Stellaluna and the birds discover that even though they are friends and are happy to try each others different behaviors, some things cannot be done by everyone. The author, Janell Cannon, was in born in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I believe one of the most important parts in Stellaluna, is at the end of the story when the three birds question their different abilities. The birds ask “How can we be so different and feel so much alike”, “And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?” and Stellaluna answers “I agree, But we’re friends. And that’s a fact”. I think these questions are very mature questions and actually make the reader sit back and reflect on them. Cannon is giving her readers the message that we all our different but no matter what how many different qualities we may have, we are all the same.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008
Cannon, Janell. Verdi. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1997. 44 pages. Ages 5-10. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
Similar to Stellaluna, Cannon does an amazing and creative storytelling technique in Verdi. Her topic of belonging continues in Verdi. Verdi, is a young yellow snake who tries everything and anything to stay forever young and not become an old and boring green snake. It is a story of growing and maturing and understanding that its ok to grow older because you become wiser. After turning green which is a sign for Verdi, that he is older he promises to continue being himself and passes on his knowledge by helping other young snakes do tricks like he used to. Janell Cannon, was boring in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. They are very colorful and Verdi makes amazing facial expressions that make you laugh at the thought of an actual snake making those faces. I also like the illustrations because they give snakes such a cute side to them that I have actually never thought of. Snakes are usually given the image of scary and dangerous animals. Through this book we are given a completely different perspective of them and I felt like I could connect with Verdi. Through Verdi’s, I felt my own fear of growing old and scared how much we change when we get older. Like Verdi’s, skin changed so will our personal features, but like Verdi, we will continue to be the same person inside.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 29, 2008
Dr. Seuss. Horton Hears A Who! New York: Random House, Inc, 1954. 60 pages. Ages 4-12. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
Dr. Seuss is one of favorite authors for children’s books. I share his passion for rhyming words creatively. After watching the movie for Horton, Hears A Who! I was curious to read the book. This book makes a statement that no matter who you are, big or small, what color we re all important and need our place in this world. Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss, was born in 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Seuss, first children’s book published was And ToTthink I Saw It On Mulberry Street. Dr. Seuss, has 44 books that he has written and illustrated and has won two Academy Awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award, Pulitzer Prize.
I believe any person any age would enjoy this book. Children would enjoy the rhyming words and the funny characters in the book. I read this book to my six month old nephew and he made funny noises and stared at the pictures for long periods of time. I think this book reflects on the theme of belonging and caring for others. I think children can learn to be less selfish and learn to help others even if at times it is difficult. Some of the concepts are a bit too mature for younger readers but I believe they can still enjoy the magnificent illustrations.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 25, 2008.
Carle, Eric. Little Cloud. New York: Philomel Books, 1996. 14 pages. Ages: Months-7. Genre: Picture Book. Language: English
Little Cloud, by Eric Carle is an imaginary book that allows children to give clouds a different perspective on clouds. The main character is a little cloud that turns into different shapes that he sees as he flies over the sky with his family. Little Cloud, turns into a tree, a sheep, and other animals and people. Little Cloud, enjoys watching the people under him, just like we like watching little cloud turn into different shapes. Eric Carle, was born in 1929 in Syracuse, New York. Eric Carle’s books includes the famous The Very, Hungry Caterpillar.
Aside from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I had not read any of Eric Carle’s books. I enjoyed little cloud because it reflects the life of a child through that one of a cloud. A very creative and imaginative perspective to look at the way a child sees clouds in the sky. Though we see clouds on a daily basis and shape them into all kinds of different things. Little Cloud, lets us know that because of our being, they give us those shapes. The book almost gives you a feeling of communication between the sky and people on earth.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 24, 2008.
Hill, Eric. Spot Loves His Grandma. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2008. 12 pages. Ages: Months-6. Genre: Picture Book. Language: English
Spot Loves His Grandma, is a colorful picture book that describes the connection with Spot and his grandma. I think every child that reads this can relate this to their own grandmothers or someone in their life, whom they share the activities spot carries out with his grandma. Eric Hill was born on September 7, 1927 in Holloway, North London. He first began creating Spot as he began to make up stories for his son. Spot was created and since Hill then has won many different awards including recent ones from 2007.
I think this book is targeted for beginning readers because it contains simple words. Eric Hill has written many books on Spot and his different activities. The bright colors in the illustrations grab the readers attention and reflect perfectly on the activities described by the words. The activities that spot carries out with his grandma are also those that many children can relate. For example, they bake a cake and pick apples.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008.
Soto, Gary. Chato’s Kitchen. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995. 29 pages. Ages 4-9. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English (Few Words In Spanish)
The illustrations in these books are clearly painted and illustrate the narrative from the book really well. Chato’s Kitchen, describes how a wise cat tries to get his new neighbors, who are rats to join him for dinner. Since they are rats, Chato plans on inviting them to his house and once in enjoy them for his dinner. When asked if a friend can join the rats at Chatos for dinner, Chato agrees not knowing that the friend is a dog. At the end, Chato does not eat the rats for dinner and simply relaxes and enjoys their company instead of them at dinner. Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales. Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book.
Chato’s Kitchen uses vocabulary that can probably be understood by children with a Spanish vocabulary. I enjoy the list of vocabulary words in both Spanish and English at the beginning of the book. I think that is such a good help for teachers because they can go over the words before the book is read in class. Activities can also be done to help the understanding of the words for those students who are not familiar with either the Spanish or English version of the words. The cats depicted in Chato’s Kitchen, also remind me of some of the teenagers I remember as a child growing up. Im not sure if younger children in elementary school in today’s society would understand those names, but older teenagers would definitely make a connection to them. On the other hand, the other words like arroz and salsa would be understood no matter the time period you grew up in.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008
Soto, Gary. Chato and The Party Animals. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2000. Ages 4-9. 30 pages. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English (Few Words in Spanish)
The illustrations once again are incredible and depict each scene in the book thoroughly. This is a second story based on the characters from Chato’s Kitchen. Since Chato has gotten over the idea of eating his new neighbors the rats, he becomes friends with them and continues to make new adventures with them. In Chato and The Party Animals, Chato throws a party for his friend Novioboy, whom has never experienced a birthday celebration. . Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales. Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book.
Chato and The Pary Animals, allows the readers see the softer side of Chato and how much he cares for his good friends. Chato understands that Novioboy is sad every time he goes to a birthday party. So he plans a birthday party for Novioboy and invites all their close friends. I think this book can have many activities following it. For example, it can be used as a writing prompt for students to describe something nice they have done for a close friend when they are sad.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
D’amico, Carmela & Steven. Ella: sets the stage. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006. Ages 4-8. 40 pages. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
I enjoyed this book because I believe it is a very good resource as an introduction to a talent show at school. Ella sets the stage, tells the story of a young girl who is to shy to think of any special talents she can perform in her school talent show. She feels that she has less talent than her friends at school and fears that if she sings or recites a poem her friends will laugh at her. Ella forgets of her search for a special talent and decides to take part of the talent show committee. While getting things set up for the talent show, Ella finds herself without time to come up with a routine for the show. She finds herself being of help for everyone in the talent show and is recognized for her caring and dedicated work to the talent show. Carmela & Steven D’amico are husband and wife and have just recently began collaborating together to produce a series of Ella books.
When it comes to standing in front of a big crowd many children get nervous and would rather not participate. Especially, if they believe they would be laughed or made of fun of. Ella takes a different approach and shows her own special unique talent without having to be placed in center stage. This book shows students that every person is different and some do enjoy the spotlight while others prefer the backstage. I would read this book to students prior to a school talent show or an all school assembly. This can encourage students to think of their personal talents and skills.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
Ellis, Libby. Buenos Dias Baby! California:Chronicle Books LLC, 2004. Ages Months-7. 20 pages. Genre: Picture Book. Language: Bilingual(English/Spanish)
This picture book is so small and is a hardcover that has only two words in each page and a picture of the words. The colors used in the illustrations are very bright and colorful with not too many details. The pictures are also a good size for children to be able to see them.
I read this book to my nephew and he smiled when I read the Spanish words but looked at me funny when I said the English words. The book fit perfectly into his little hands and kept him entertained for a couple of minutes. I would place this book in a daycare setting or even up to 1st grade. The vocabulary is very simple but it is in Spanish and English. It definitely will help students with understanding of certain vocabulary words, like arbol, triciclo, galleta, and perro.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
hours and it is very easy to read. There are no fancy words and I think that it is why it is so popular among young adults and teenagers. Even though, we are far from greasers and socs, the social differences that separate teenagers in schools sill exist and should be reduced. S.E. Hinton tries to let her readers become part of each group of the outsiders by bringing these two groups together at least through the imagination of us the readers.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008
Cannon, Janell. Stellaluna. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1993. 44 pages. Ages 4-10. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
In this picture story book, Stellaluna, a baby bat is separated from her mother when an owl attacks them during a flight in search of food. Stellaluna, is then raised by a family of birds, whom treat her as an equal to them. Once Stellaluna, shows the birds her sleeping habits, the mama bird asks Stellaluna not to endanger her little birds as they do not sleep by holding onto their toes. Stellaluna agrees and is allowed to stay with the birds. Once during a flight with her bird family, Stellaluna is left behind. After promising not to sleep with her feet she uses her thumbs instead. This catches the attention of other bats. These bats then call others to take a look at Stellaluna’s behavior. One of the bats discovers she is Stellaluna’s mother and the two are reunited. Stellaluna, then learns to adapt to her bat behavior and tries to share her new discoveries with the birds. Even though, Stellaluna tries to do this as a good behavior she is putting the birds in danger. Stellaluna and the birds discover that even though they are friends and are happy to try each others different behaviors, some things cannot be done by everyone. The author, Janell Cannon, was in born in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I believe one of the most important parts in Stellaluna, is at the end of the story when the three birds question their different abilities. The birds ask “How can we be so different and feel so much alike”, “And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?” and Stellaluna answers “I agree, But we’re friends. And that’s a fact”. I think these questions are very mature questions and actually make the reader sit back and reflect on them. Cannon is giving her readers the message that we all our different but no matter what how many different qualities we may have, we are all the same.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008
Cannon, Janell. Verdi. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1997. 44 pages. Ages 5-10. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
Similar to Stellaluna, Cannon does an amazing and creative storytelling technique in Verdi. Her topic of belonging continues in Verdi. Verdi, is a young yellow snake who tries everything and anything to stay forever young and not become an old and boring green snake. It is a story of growing and maturing and understanding that its ok to grow older because you become wiser. After turning green which is a sign for Verdi, that he is older he promises to continue being himself and passes on his knowledge by helping other young snakes do tricks like he used to. Janell Cannon, was boring in 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. They are very colorful and Verdi makes amazing facial expressions that make you laugh at the thought of an actual snake making those faces. I also like the illustrations because they give snakes such a cute side to them that I have actually never thought of. Snakes are usually given the image of scary and dangerous animals. Through this book we are given a completely different perspective of them and I felt like I could connect with Verdi. Through Verdi’s, I felt my own fear of growing old and scared how much we change when we get older. Like Verdi’s, skin changed so will our personal features, but like Verdi, we will continue to be the same person inside.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 29, 2008
Dr. Seuss. Horton Hears A Who! New York: Random House, Inc, 1954. 60 pages. Ages 4-12. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
Dr. Seuss is one of favorite authors for children’s books. I share his passion for rhyming words creatively. After watching the movie for Horton, Hears A Who! I was curious to read the book. This book makes a statement that no matter who you are, big or small, what color we re all important and need our place in this world. Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss, was born in 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Seuss, first children’s book published was And ToTthink I Saw It On Mulberry Street. Dr. Seuss, has 44 books that he has written and illustrated and has won two Academy Awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody award, Pulitzer Prize.
I believe any person any age would enjoy this book. Children would enjoy the rhyming words and the funny characters in the book. I read this book to my six month old nephew and he made funny noises and stared at the pictures for long periods of time. I think this book reflects on the theme of belonging and caring for others. I think children can learn to be less selfish and learn to help others even if at times it is difficult. Some of the concepts are a bit too mature for younger readers but I believe they can still enjoy the magnificent illustrations.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 25, 2008.
Carle, Eric. Little Cloud. New York: Philomel Books, 1996. 14 pages. Ages: Months-7. Genre: Picture Book. Language: English
Little Cloud, by Eric Carle is an imaginary book that allows children to give clouds a different perspective on clouds. The main character is a little cloud that turns into different shapes that he sees as he flies over the sky with his family. Little Cloud, turns into a tree, a sheep, and other animals and people. Little Cloud, enjoys watching the people under him, just like we like watching little cloud turn into different shapes. Eric Carle, was born in 1929 in Syracuse, New York. Eric Carle’s books includes the famous The Very, Hungry Caterpillar.
Aside from The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I had not read any of Eric Carle’s books. I enjoyed little cloud because it reflects the life of a child through that one of a cloud. A very creative and imaginative perspective to look at the way a child sees clouds in the sky. Though we see clouds on a daily basis and shape them into all kinds of different things. Little Cloud, lets us know that because of our being, they give us those shapes. The book almost gives you a feeling of communication between the sky and people on earth.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 24, 2008.
Hill, Eric. Spot Loves His Grandma. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2008. 12 pages. Ages: Months-6. Genre: Picture Book. Language: English
Spot Loves His Grandma, is a colorful picture book that describes the connection with Spot and his grandma. I think every child that reads this can relate this to their own grandmothers or someone in their life, whom they share the activities spot carries out with his grandma. Eric Hill was born on September 7, 1927 in Holloway, North London. He first began creating Spot as he began to make up stories for his son. Spot was created and since Hill then has won many different awards including recent ones from 2007.
I think this book is targeted for beginning readers because it contains simple words. Eric Hill has written many books on Spot and his different activities. The bright colors in the illustrations grab the readers attention and reflect perfectly on the activities described by the words. The activities that spot carries out with his grandma are also those that many children can relate. For example, they bake a cake and pick apples.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008.
Soto, Gary. Chato’s Kitchen. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995. 29 pages. Ages 4-9. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English (Few Words In Spanish)
The illustrations in these books are clearly painted and illustrate the narrative from the book really well. Chato’s Kitchen, describes how a wise cat tries to get his new neighbors, who are rats to join him for dinner. Since they are rats, Chato plans on inviting them to his house and once in enjoy them for his dinner. When asked if a friend can join the rats at Chatos for dinner, Chato agrees not knowing that the friend is a dog. At the end, Chato does not eat the rats for dinner and simply relaxes and enjoys their company instead of them at dinner. Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales. Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book.
Chato’s Kitchen uses vocabulary that can probably be understood by children with a Spanish vocabulary. I enjoy the list of vocabulary words in both Spanish and English at the beginning of the book. I think that is such a good help for teachers because they can go over the words before the book is read in class. Activities can also be done to help the understanding of the words for those students who are not familiar with either the Spanish or English version of the words. The cats depicted in Chato’s Kitchen, also remind me of some of the teenagers I remember as a child growing up. Im not sure if younger children in elementary school in today’s society would understand those names, but older teenagers would definitely make a connection to them. On the other hand, the other words like arroz and salsa would be understood no matter the time period you grew up in.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 31, 2008
Soto, Gary. Chato and The Party Animals. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2000. Ages 4-9. 30 pages. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English (Few Words in Spanish)
The illustrations once again are incredible and depict each scene in the book thoroughly. This is a second story based on the characters from Chato’s Kitchen. Since Chato has gotten over the idea of eating his new neighbors the rats, he becomes friends with them and continues to make new adventures with them. In Chato and The Party Animals, Chato throws a party for his friend Novioboy, whom has never experienced a birthday celebration. . Gary Soto, has written many young reader books including one of my favorite books Too Many Tamales. Chato’s Kitchen is recognized as a ALA Notable Book.
Chato and The Pary Animals, allows the readers see the softer side of Chato and how much he cares for his good friends. Chato understands that Novioboy is sad every time he goes to a birthday party. So he plans a birthday party for Novioboy and invites all their close friends. I think this book can have many activities following it. For example, it can be used as a writing prompt for students to describe something nice they have done for a close friend when they are sad.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
D’amico, Carmela & Steven. Ella: sets the stage. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2006. Ages 4-8. 40 pages. Genre: Picture Story Book. Language: English
I enjoyed this book because I believe it is a very good resource as an introduction to a talent show at school. Ella sets the stage, tells the story of a young girl who is to shy to think of any special talents she can perform in her school talent show. She feels that she has less talent than her friends at school and fears that if she sings or recites a poem her friends will laugh at her. Ella forgets of her search for a special talent and decides to take part of the talent show committee. While getting things set up for the talent show, Ella finds herself without time to come up with a routine for the show. She finds herself being of help for everyone in the talent show and is recognized for her caring and dedicated work to the talent show. Carmela & Steven D’amico are husband and wife and have just recently began collaborating together to produce a series of Ella books.
When it comes to standing in front of a big crowd many children get nervous and would rather not participate. Especially, if they believe they would be laughed or made of fun of. Ella takes a different approach and shows her own special unique talent without having to be placed in center stage. This book shows students that every person is different and some do enjoy the spotlight while others prefer the backstage. I would read this book to students prior to a school talent show or an all school assembly. This can encourage students to think of their personal talents and skills.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
Ellis, Libby. Buenos Dias Baby! California:Chronicle Books LLC, 2004. Ages Months-7. 20 pages. Genre: Picture Book. Language: Bilingual(English/Spanish)
This picture book is so small and is a hardcover that has only two words in each page and a picture of the words. The colors used in the illustrations are very bright and colorful with not too many details. The pictures are also a good size for children to be able to see them.
I read this book to my nephew and he smiled when I read the Spanish words but looked at me funny when I said the English words. The book fit perfectly into his little hands and kept him entertained for a couple of minutes. I would place this book in a daycare setting or even up to 1st grade. The vocabulary is very simple but it is in Spanish and English. It definitely will help students with understanding of certain vocabulary words, like arbol, triciclo, galleta, and perro.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, May 26, 2008
Sonia Torres
Bil 350-Summer 08
Dr. McInerney
Annotated Bibliography 11-20 (Part II)
Soto, Gary. Neighborhood Odes: A poetry Collection. Florida: Harcourt Inc., 1992. 68 pages. Ages 8-14. Genre: Poetry. Language: English/Spanish Vocabulary
Gary Soto does a marvelous job in describing Hispanic neighborhood qualities in Neighborhood Odes. Neighborhood Odes, is a collection of poems gathered from the simplest ideas of everyday life through the eyes of a young child’s imagination. This collection of poems gave me a flashback to my early childhood growing up in the south side of Chicago. Though Soto did not grow up in Chicago I think most Mexican-Americans can relate to Soto’s descriptions. Gary Soto grew up in Fresno, California. He has won numerous amounts of awards and is recognized for telling the life of growing up Mexican-American.
Gary Soto is one of my favorite authors. This is actually the first book I’ve picked up of his that is a poetry collection. Other books I’ve read of his are picture story books like Too Many Tamales and Chato’s series books. In Neighborhood Odes, Soto shares his experiences as a young child growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood. His odes include one for raspados, to the piñatas, to fireworks, to his library, and to weddings. This book contains odes to things, places, and events that most Hispanic children can relate to. Along with bringing back memories of our childhood this book also brings in laughter as to the silly things we do when are younger and the world is so big in our eyes. I would recommend this book to teachers who teach in a bilingual classroom. I think children with a similar upbringing will be able to relate with Soto and this poetry collection.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, June 2008
Cisneros, Sandra. The House on Mango Street.
Since reading House on Mango Street in high school, Sandra Cisneros has been one of favorite authors. I enjoyed this book then and to this day as I revisited it again. The first page immediately grabbed my attention has she mentioned the names of streets, whom I am familiar with. The story is divided into separate stories of a girl and her family adventures. She gets into many different situations with her sisters and people from her neighborhood. The book doesn’t have a underlying story line and floats around from adventure to adventure. Sandra Cisneros grew up in Chicago and therefore much of her writing is from her experiences in the city. She grew up in the latino section of the city and therefore latinos who read her stories can relate to her experiences. She has written numerous amounts of novels but I believe The House On Mango Street, is her very best literary piece so far.
I read The House on Mango Street, in high school and remember loving the book. As I read it again for this class I also enjoyed it very much. I didn’t seem to have the same feelings about it though as I did before. I believe now that I am older some of the parts of the book seemed silly to me. But I do remember enjoying them very much in high school. I would recommend this book to teachers to include in their curriculumm at the beginning of the school year. Theres a part In the book where the main character wishes she had a name that was shorter or even a more “English” sounding name. I think a lot could be done with just that one part. Just like we discussed in class, students should understand and learn to appreciate their names and not be ashamed of them.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, June 2008
Galdone, Paul. The Frog Prince. New York: Macmillan and Company, 1975. 34 pages. Ages 4-8. Genre: Traditional Literature. Language: English
The Frog Prince is a folktale that teaches young children that they cannot break their promises. A young princess took advantage of her beauty and promised a frog that he could stay with her and be her companion as long as he would retrieve a beautiful gold ball she lost in a well. She did not hesitate to agree to his terms, she didn’t care about his request but was concerned for the return of her ball. When the frog completed his part of the promise and gave the princess her gold ball she returned home and left the frog behind, forgetting about her end of the promise. The frog ran after her and looked for her at her home. When her father found out about her promise to the frog and without her consent, he ordered her to fulfill her end of the promise. So the frog stayed in her house and slept with her in the princess bed. Out of anger she threw the frog off her bed but as the frog was about to hit the floor he turned into a beautiful prince. The prince explained to the princess a witch had put a spell on him and promised that since she broke it they will eternally be together and he would take care to live in his fathers kingdom. The two lived happily ever after. Paul Galdone was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1914 and migrated to the United States in 1928. He studied at the University of Industrial Design in New York. He was introduced into bookmaking and was greatly interested in this art form. Galdone has illustrated over 300 books.
The idea behind The frog Prince, is perhaps told in many different stories but in many different situations. This story contains a very important message that not many stories for young children contain now in recent publications. I would use this book In the classroom when teaching and in reference to morals. I think the The frog Price is a great book to show students that we must keep our promises no matter how hard it is to keep them sometimes. The book also shows the values of the princess father, whom never allowed her to back out from her promises.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, June 2008
Dalkey, Kara. Little Sister. New York: Puffin Books, 1998. 200 pages. Ages 9-13. Genre: Historical Fiction. Language: English
Little Sister is a fictional story based in Japan. Mitsuko, the main character in the story lives with her family, whom are a noble family, and live in the imperial court. Mitsuko’s family is considered in our terms one in higher society. Mitsuko has been raised by her mother and older sister to be one of great ladylike behavior including always wearing her kimonos properly and writing poetry, as their past time. When the monks from Mount Hiei, a rivalry group to the Fujiwara (Mitsukos’ family), start attacking towns, Mitsuko and her family flee from their home. Mitsuko’s older sister Amaiko, loses her husband on their journey from fleeing their home. She is lost in his memory and does not speak or show emotion to anyone. Mitsuko’s family is then taken to a hideout house in the mountains and they stare there for a couple of days. After using all their resources the nearby Lord Tsubushima calls out to the Fujiwara family to be guests in their home since they had no where else to go. Lord Tsubushima being a lower rank than the Fujiwara’s is an enemy to the family and only seeks to make Mitsuko and her sister’s wives for the men in his court. Mitsuko and Amaiko flee from their family hoping to escape the awful ways of Lord Tsubushima. From that point on Mitsuko’s priority is to regain her sister’s lost soul by finding her husband’s soul and asking him to return Amaiko’s soul. Mitsuko then spends days with her new friends whom are Tengus, demon like creatures that can transform into different forms including mortals. The tengus helps Mitsuko through her journey to find her sister’s husbands soul. At the end Mitsuko sees many different things and realizes that her court life does not suit her. When reunited with her family and father she decides to become a pilgrim instead of a court wife. Kara Dalkey was born in 1953 in Los Angeles. She is known for her work in young adult historical fiction concentrating on the Heian period in Japan.
I really enjoyed Little Sister, I had never picked up a book by Dalkey and was quite surprised at how interesting her work was. I did not put the book down once and read the whole 200 pages in one setting. Each page kept you wanting to find out what will happen next. Dalkey explains briefly some historical facts at the end of the story that help explain some of the parts of the story. I think it actually would have helped to have these few pages at the beginning of the book. This would have cleared up some confusion. I would use this book in class as a reference to give students an idea of life in Japan during the Heian period. This can help set an illustration in students minds to how life was during those times.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres June 2008
Vennema, P., Stanley, D. Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc, 1993. 44 pages. Ages 8-13. Genre: Non-Fiction. Language: English
Even though, this biography of Charles Dickens was written for a younger audience. The details are greatly emphasized throughout the book. The words used are easy words and can be understood by young children and I was able to keep my interest in the book. The book unfolds with Dickens childhood and the economic struggles his family endured. Dickens did not grow up wealthy and only began to make money after he had some of his first writing published in a local magazine. This helped pay his bills and allowed him to afford a home so he can provide to his new wife and later his ten children. Once Dickens stories began to gain popularity amongst his community the publications traveled around the world. This gave Dickens even greater wealth and began to afford a more privileged life than the one he had experienced growing up. The book explains how Charles Dickens began his career as an author, his most famous works, his wife and children, the love of his life, his travels to the United States, and finally his final days. Diane Stanley was born in Texas but later moved to New York with her mother after she divorced her father. Her mother was a writer and Stanley also became interested in it. She began as an illustrator and later moved on to writing and illustrating her own books. Diana Stanley and Peter Vennema have composed a number of biographical picture book for young children. Some of them are Cleopatra, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Daniel Hall.
I really enjoyed this book because of the illustrations and the extensive amounts of details used throughout the biography. This book explains certain situations suitable for children of all ages. I think middle school children will enjoy this biography but I think the narrative might be a little long for early readers. It is a good introduction to Charles Dickens that children can carry on with them to their high school years, as many of them will probably be assigned some type of Dickens literature. This book can also be pulled out during social studies and used as a reference. This type of biography and along with others by the authors are great resources to be kept in the classroom library.
Reviewed by: Sonia Torres, June2008